Donald Trump speaks Oct. 5, 2024, at at the Butler Farm Show grounds, the site of an assassination attempt three months earlier. Two men injured in that incident are suing the federal government for negligence. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI. | License Photo
June 2 (UPI) -- Two supporters of President Donald Trump who were injured during an assassination attempt during Trump's 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pa., are suing the federal government for negligence.
James Copenhaver and David Dutch, both of Pennsylvania, attended the rally in July 2024 and were shot by Thomas Crooks, whom authorities say tried to assassinate Trump. Copenhaver was struck twice and received injuries to his abdomen, spine and left arm, his lawsuit says, while Dutch was shot and suffered "severe, serious, permanent and grievous injuries" according to his lawsuit.
Crooks killed one person, attendee Corey Comperatore, in the attack. Trump received a minor wound to his ear. Secret Service members killed Crooks on site.
The two lawsuits say the Secret Service failed to properly secure the rally, leading to their injuries. Copenhaver's wife, Marianne Copenhaver, is also part of his lawsuit. The plaintiffs are seeking at least $150,000 in damages each, Politico reported.
